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Why are you gaining weight?

If you started taking in more calories than usual or cut back on exercise, you wouldn’t be surprised if the numbers on the scales crept higher. But what if you're doing everything the same as you always do and your weight still goes up? It's time to delve a little deeper into what else might be going on.

Lack of sleep

There are two issues at work with sleep and weight gain. The first is intuitive: If you're up late, the odds are greater that you'll eat some late night snacks that will increase your calorie intake. The other reason involves what's going on biochemically when you're sleep deprived. Changes in hormone levels increase hunger and appetite and also make you feel less full after eating.

Stress

When life's demands get too intense, our body goes into survival mode: Cortisol, the 'stress hormone,' is secreted, which causes an increase in appetite. We may also reach for high-calorie comfort foods in times of stress. This combination is a perfect breeding ground for weight gain.

Antidepressants

An unfortunate side effect from some antidepressants is weight gain, which may occur in up to 25% of people taking them long-term. Talk to your GP about changing to another drug if you think your antidepressant is causing weight gain. But remember that some people experience weight gain after beginning drug treatment simply because they're feeling better, which leads to improved appetite. Also, depression itself can cause changes in weight.

Corticosteroids

Anti-inflammatory steroid medications are notorious for causing weight gain. Fluid retention and increased appetite are the main reasons. Although weight gain is common, the severity of this side effect depends on the strength of the dose and length of time taking the drug. Some people may also see a redistribution of fat while taking the drug -- to places like the face, back of the neck or the abdomen. If you have any concerns about the side effects of a medication, talk to your GP.

Other drugs that may cause weight gain

Several other prescription drugs have been associated with weight gain. The list includes antipsychotic drugs (used to treat mood disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder), as well as medicines to treat migraines, seizures, high blood pressure and diabetes. You and your GP should be able to find a medication that treats your symptoms without causing disrupting side effects.

'The Pill' does not typically cause weight gain

Contrary to popular belief, there is a lack of evidence that combination contraceptive pills (oestrogen and progestin) cause lasting weight gain. It is thought that some women taking the combination pill may experience some weight gain related to fluid retention, but this is usually short-term. If you're still concerned about possible weight gain, talk to your health care provider.

Hypothyroidism

If your thyroid (the butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck) is not making enough thyroid hormone, you're probably feeling tired, weak, cold and gaining weight. Without enough thyroid hormone, metabolism slows, making weight gain more likely. Even a thyroid functioning at the lower end of the normal range might cause weight gain. Treating hypothyroidism with medication may reverse some of the weight gain. If you have any concerns, seek medical advice.

Menopause

Don't blame the menopause and the loss of oestrogen for your midlife weight gain. These all may occur around the same time, during your 40s or 50s, but changing hormone levels probably aren't the cause. Ageing slows metabolism, and muscle mass decreases, so you burn fewer calories, and any changes in lifestyle (e.g. exercising less) play a role. But where you gain weight may be related to menopause, with fat accumulating around your waist, not around your hips and thighs.

Cushing's syndrome

Weight gain is a common symptom of Cushing syndrome, a condition in which you are exposed to too much of the hormone cortisol, which in turn causes weight gain and other abnormalities. Cushing's syndrome can occur if you take a corticosteroid for a condition such as asthma, arthritis or lupus. It can also occur when your adrenal glands produce too much of the hormone. The weight gain may be most prominent around the face, neck, upper back or waist.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a common hormonal problem in women of childbearing age. Most women with PCOS grow many small cysts on their ovaries. The condition leads to hormone imbalances that affect a woman's menstrual cycle – and can lead to excess body hair growth and acne. Women with this condition are resistant to insulin, which may cause weight gain. The weight tends to gravitate to the abdomen, putting women at greater risk of heart disease.

Stopping smoking

A 2012 study suggest that on average, people who stop smoking gain about four to five kilos (8.8 to 11 pounds). Why? First, nicotine curbs your appetite so that once you stop you may feel increased hunger pangs, which leads to overeating. Nicotine also increases your metabolism, but many people don't decrease their calorie intake to compensate for the slowdown after they quit smoking. Lastly, nicotine is notorious for dulling the taste buds, so you may find food tastes better once you kick the habit, which can lead to overindulgence.

Rule 1: If you do gain weight …

Weight gain can be linked to medication. Don't stop taking any medication without first consulting your GP. Recognise the importance of the drug you're taking. It may be critical to your health.

Rule 2: If you do gain weight …

Don't compare yourself with other people taking the same drug. Not all people have the same side effects on the same medication. Even if one drug caused someone else to lose weight, the same might not be true for you. Talk to your GP if you have any concerns.

Rule 3: If you do gain weight …

Don't panic if the weight gain is just from water retention, which is not permanent weight or fat. Once you've finished taking the drug or the medical condition is under control, the puffiness from fluid retention may subside. Stick to a lower salt diet in the meantime.

Rule 4: If you do gain weight …

Ask your GP about alternative drugs you can take. In most cases, your doctor can put you on another medication that may not have the same side effects.

Rule 5: If you do gain weight …

Weight gain may be from a decrease in metabolism - from either a medical condition or medication. And if so, take the time to start metabolism-increasing activities. Get moving!

THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for general information purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the BootsWebMD Site. If you have a medical problem please contact your GP. In England call 111. In Scotland call NHS 24. In Wales, call NHS Direct Wales. In the case of medical emergencies, always dial 999.

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